Neuroscience and Nurture with Susan Bookheimer
IndoctriNation
IndoctriNation
4.8 • 566 Ratings
🗓️ 11 February 2026
⏱️ 83 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein speaks with Susan Bookheimer, a distinguished UCLA professor and neuropsychologist with over 40 years of expertise in brain imaging and human brain development. The discussion delves into the profound impact of trauma on the brain, particularly focusing on the reward system and the amygdala. They explore how neglect and various forms of abuse alter brain structures and functions, the significance of implicit learning, memory modulation, and the potential for healing through therapy and positive experiences. Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's interconnected systems, practical strategies for mitigating ongoing stress, and the power of conscious, repeated positive experiences in fostering recovery. This episode sheds light on both the challenges and possibilities for those seeking to heal from traumatic experiences.
Susan’s Links
UCLA Profile: https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer
Connect with us on social media:
https://linktr.ee/indoctrination
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:
https://www.patreon.com/indoctrination
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
https://education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
https://rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
https://thepodcastconsultant.com/about
A quick note: this podcast is proudly partnered with a company, but the ads you hear are chosen by our network, not by us. Their views don’t necessarily reflect those of the IndoctriNation team.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | You are not alone. And now there are two resources that I've put together specifically for your journey. |
| 0:16.0 | This is your host, Rachel Bernstein. I am an educator and a therapist and a cult specialist, and I am very excited to announce |
| 0:27.2 | restart and restore a journal for survivors of manipulation and a companion notebook that I've put together to go with it, |
| 0:39.3 | that has people's stories that they've shared with me, |
| 0:44.4 | that they wanted to share with you, |
| 0:46.4 | and some wonderful quotes from people whose thoughts I truly admire, |
| 0:52.2 | and more pages and writing prompts for you to continue with the writing |
| 0:59.0 | that can help you along your healing journey. |
| 1:03.5 | This isn't just another blank journal. |
| 1:07.1 | It's a trauma-informed recovery companion, and it offers psychoeducation on the mechanics of manipulation and control and therapeutic writing prompts to explore your history and your strengths, practical exercises that transform insights into some actionable steps, and the freedom to heal at your own pace. |
| 1:31.8 | You can do it in the time frame that works for you without any judgment or pressure. |
| 1:39.7 | Whether you joined the organization or the relationship that was controlling as a teen or as an adult, |
| 1:46.7 | restart and restore provides the structure and I think validation needed to process your |
| 1:53.5 | experiences safely. I'm also excited to share beyond the journal and its companion notebook |
| 2:00.5 | that I'm currently working on a second journal |
| 2:03.3 | specifically for those born and raised in high control groups or high control family units, |
| 2:09.6 | as their healing journey often involves different and specialized challenges. Restart and Restore and its companion notebook are available now, |
| 2:20.7 | and you can find the link in the show notes. |
| 2:23.9 | Thank you very much. |
| 2:25.4 | I hope it's helpful to you or to someone you love. Welcome to Indoconation, a weekly conversation series about protecting yourself from systems of control. |
| 2:55.3 | I'm your host, Rachel Bernstein. |
| 2:57.9 | Hello, everyone. Today on the show, we have a special treat, Susan Bukheimer. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from IndoctriNation, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of IndoctriNation and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.

